Electronics device case

ABSTRACT

A case for protecting and storing a preselected electronics device includes a flexible fabric material body and a strip of fabric extending from a portion of the body. The strip of fabric has an open and an inverted closed position. The body and strip of fabric in the closed position are together configured to envelope and tightly fit contours of the preselected electronics device.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/054,254, filed on Mar. 24, 2008, which claims priority to U.S. Designpatent application No. Ser. 29/268,088, filed on Oct. 24, 2006, each ofwhich are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electronics devices, particularly in this day and age, are oftendesigned to be transportable, and easy to use “on the go.”Unfortunately, many such electronics devices are susceptible to damagefrom such movement and even storage. Many devices include a robust outershell, however, many aspects are not encased in the outer shell. Aspectssuch as view screens, lenses, key pads and the like are susceptible toscratches, breakage, etc., as they generally cannot be encased in arobust outer shell due to functionality and size concerns. Additionally,the robust outer shells, themselves, are susceptible to scratches andother deformations, which can potentially harm the inner workings of theelectronics device, or at the very least damage the aesthetic nature ofthe robust outer shell.

In order to protect certain electronic devices, a number of bags andstorage cases have been made. Such bags and/or cases are highly paddedso as to best protect the electronic device from damage. Whileadequately protecting the electronic device, the added bulk reduces themobility of the electronics device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides a case for protecting andstoring an electronics device. The case can be for a preselectedelectronics device and can include a flexible fabric material body and astrip of fabric of the same material for closing an opening. The bodycan include, for ease of discussion, a front, a back, a first side, asecond side, a top, and an opening along a bottom. Each of the two sidescan include a seam extending the length of the side. The strip of fabriccan extend from the back of the body near the opening. Additionally, thestrip can be seamed into a length of each of the first and second sides.The strip can have an open position and a closed position. In the openposition, the entirety of the strip can rest substantially flush with aportion of the back of the body. In the closed position, the strip isinverted and covers the opening and is substantially flush with aportion of the front of the body. The body and strip of fabric in theclosed position, together, can be configured to envelope and tightly fitcontours of the preselected electronics device.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, various features of theinvention so that the detailed description thereof that follows may bebetter understood, and so that the present contribution to the art maybe better appreciated. Other features of the present invention willbecome clearer from the following detailed description of the invention,taken with the accompanying claims, or may be learned by the practice ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a front of an electronics device casehaving a strip of fabric in the closed position, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a front of an electronics device casehaving a strip of fabric in the open position, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an electronics device case having a strip offabric in the closed position, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 is a back view of an electronics device case having a strip offabric in the closed position, wherein the body of the electronicsdevice and the strip of fabric are a continuous cut of fabric, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view of an electronics device case having a strip offabric in the closed position and further including a loop attachment,in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of an opposite side of that shown in FIG. 5. Theview is of an electronics device case having a strip of fabric in theclosed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of an electronics device case having a strip offabric in the closed position and further including a loop attachment,in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a top view of an electronics device case having a strip offabric in the closed position and further including a loop attachment,in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an electronics device case having astrip of fabric in the open position and further having a camerapartially enveloped in the case, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective vies of an electronics device case having acloth permanently attached to the interior of the case and illustratedas residing outside of the case, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments, and specificlanguage will be used herein to describe the same. It will neverthelessbe understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention isthereby intended. Alterations and further modifications of the inventivefeatures, process steps, and materials illustrated herein, andadditional applications of the principles of the inventions asillustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant artand having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered withinthe scope of the invention. It should also be understood thatterminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describingparticular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

DEFINITIONS

In describing and claiming the present invention, the followingterminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set forthbelow.

The singular forms “a,” “an,” and, “the” include plural referents unlessthe context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to“a seam” includes reference to one or more of such seams, and referenceto “the aperture” includes reference to one or more of such apertures.

The term, “rhombical,” as used herein, is used to describe athree-dimensional shape having substantially six faces. Alternatively oradditionally, “rhombical” can be used to indicate a three-dimensionalshape having at least two faces that each have four sides. Such sidescan optionally be at right angles (a rectangular shape), and canoptionally be of equal length (a square shape).

The term “flexible fabric material” refer to textiles having elasticityand the capacity to maintain their integrity through conventional sewingtechniques. Such flexible fabric materials are not deformed from normalstretching, but return to their original shape once the stretchingstress is removed. Typically, fabrics having these qualities are nottranslucent. Non-limiting examples of materials that can be used includesynthetic rubbers such as neoprene (polychloroprene); petrochemicalbased or other synthetically manufactured fibrous materials such asspandex (elastane), nylon, polyester fabric, rayon, olefin fiber, andparticularly combinations and blends of the noted materials with eachother and with other animal, plant, mineral or synthetic based textilesuch as cotton. In one aspect, the flexible fabric material can includea blend including neoprene and spandex. Furthermore, within the body ofthe description, the terms “fabric” and “material” are usedinterchangeably unless noted otherwise.

The term “flush” is used according to its plain meaning and specificallyrelates to direct physical contact between two surfaces that aresubstantially parallel to one another.

As used herein, the term “tightly” refers to a fit including directphysical contact between at least a majority of surfaces sufficient tocreate a resistance to displacement due to the frictional forces causedby the contact of the surfaces. For proper use of the case, the degreeof friction maintaining placement of an electronics device in anassociated case should be relatively easy to overcome by usermanipulation (as with inserting and removing the electronics device).

As used herein, the term “configured to” refers to the purposefulselection, placement and/or design to effectuate a predeterminedfunction or purpose. Therefore, configuring something to do somethingrequires first, an identified objective or purpose, and second,selection and designing to reach the purpose or objective. As such,qualities resulting from manufacture without a predetermined (i.e.determined prior to manufacture) objective or purpose are not consideredto result from “configured to” designs.

As used herein, “substantially” refers to situations close to andincluding 100%. Substantially is used to indicate that, though 100% isdesirable, a small deviation therefrom is acceptable.

As used herein, the term “about” is used to provide flexibility to anumerical range endpoint by providing that a given value may be “alittle above” or “a little below” the endpoint.

As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositionalelements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list forconvenience. However, these lists should be construed as though eachmember of the list is individually identified as a separate and uniquemember. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as ade facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based ontheir presentation in a common group without indications to thecontrary.

As used herein, directional-based descriptive terms, such as “front,”“back,” “side,” “top,” “bottom,” and the like are used strictly for easeof discussion. Such use is not to be interpreted, even when used inclaims, as requiring such direction, or that the directional descriptorsmatch or mirror any electronics device associated therewith, or that thecase is to be held and/or used according to the descriptive terms.

Concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data may be expressed orpresented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such arange format is used merely for convenience and brevity and thus shouldbe interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical valuesexplicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include allthe individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within thatrange as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. Asan illustration, a numerical range of “about 1 to about 5” should beinterpreted to include not only the explicitly recited values of about 1to about 5, but also include individual values and sub-ranges within theindicated range. Thus, included in this numerical range are individualvalues such as 2, 3, and 4 and sub-ranges such as from 1-3, from 2-4,and from 3-5, etc.

This same principle applies to ranges reciting only one numerical value.Furthermore, such an interpretation should apply regardless of thebreadth of the range or the characteristics being described.

The Invention

As noted previously, there is concern when transporting and/or storingelectronic devices. Often, while transporting, an unprotectedelectronics device is subjected to unwanted bumps, scrapes, drops, andthe like, which can not only lessen the aesthetic virtue of theelectronics device, but can also cause damage to the components of theelectronics device. Therefore, a market for the likes of camera bags andother protective bags for electronics devices emerged. However, thetrend in electronics device design is to create a device that isportable and can easily be taken from place to place. The use of a bagthat adds bulk and weight to an electronics device contradicts the trendtowards smaller, more easily portable, devices. Therefore, anelectronics device case that provides protection and storage is providedherein, which does not substantially add to the bulk and/or weight ofthe electronics device.

Electronics devices come in a variety of forms. Generally, electronicsdevices include electrical components, which are used to provide utilityto a consumer. Such utility can include, e.g., computational, storage,entertainment, communicative, transmissive, etc. An electronic devicecan be free-standing, such as a cellular phone, or, as with a video gamecontroller, can be connected to a console, or other object to provideeither power and/or desired connectivity. Electronic devices typicallyhave a robust outer shell or casing. As discussed, such outer shells aresusceptible to scratching and other damage. Most if not all electronicdevices also include sensitive areas, or generally those features notprotected by a robust outer shell. Non-limiting examples of sensitiveareas or features include buttons, view screens, unshielded lenses,keypads, flash projectors, sensors, etc.

Often, an electronics device will include more than one sensitive areaor feature.

For example, a digital camera often includes a lens or lens attachmentregion, a view screen, buttons of various forms configured to turn thecamera on or off, configured to open a shutter and thereby take thepicture as well as to adjust zoom and other properties of the camera'soperations, and further configured to maneuver through digital menus andstorage viewing of the camera. The camera example may further includesensitive areas configured for connection, such as data connections(e.g. USB), headphone or speaker jacks, power charging jacks, etc.

Non-limiting examples of electronic devices include portable mediaplayers including specifically audio and/or video players (such asdevices having the capacity or being configured to primarily play musicmedia or files, including cassettes, compact discs, DVDs, MP3, WAV,AIFF, AU, WMA, TTA, FLAC, APE, WV, TAK, AAC, ALE, ALAC, AAC, OGG, MPC,RAW, GSM, DCT, VOX, MP4/M4A, RA, RAM, DSS, MSV, DVF, any later developedformat and/or player, and combinations thereof, and also specificallyincluding portable radio and television receivers), cameras (both stilland moving image, digital and non-digital), personal digital assistants(“PDA”), cellular phones, global positioning systems, web browsers,Dictaphone, digital games, video game remotes, cordless phones, laptopcomputers, etc.

For each electronics device, an electronics device case can be utilizedto protect and store the electronics device. The cases contemplatedherein are made of a flexible fabric material. Such material, as aproperly tailored case, is capable of at least partially taking theshape of the underlying electronics device. The material is furthercapable of being seamed or sewn as a means of attaching and tailoring.Furthermore, the material should be selected so as to optimize thedegree of protection to the electronics device, while limiting the bulkand/or weight added by the case. Non-limiting examples of materials thatcan be used include neoprene (polychloroprene), spandex (elastane),nylon, polyester fabric, rayon, olefin fiber, other petrochemical basedfibrous materials, other seamable synthetic rubbers, and blends andcombinations thereof. Such materials can optionally include patterns ordesigns, including marketing materials and/or logos. Furthermore, thematerial can optionally be chemically treated (surface or otherwise) toalter or enhance any characteristics, as is known in the textile arts.

As the fabric material is to be form-fitting to an electronics device,and furthermore includes a strip of fabric to be used to open or closethe case, such fabric must include a degree of elasticity sufficient topermit the strip of fabric to invert from the open to the closedposition while (a) enclosing a preselected electronics device, and (b)forming an envelope that tightly fits contours of the electronicsdevice. The particular design of the case is directly related to thepreselected or identified electronics device for which it is to case,and therefore, the case is configured for a use with a particularelectronics device. As such, the cases disclosed herein are not of aone-size-fits-all type, nor are they configured to be generallyinterchangeable. An exception to the rule may occur where a case is usedfor two electronics devices having the same dimensions and contours. Thecontours of an electronics device include not only the dimensions of theobject, but also any curvature, protrusions, and any variations from aflat surface.

The particular design of the case can optionally include seams along oneor more of the major edges of the electronics device, so as to betterform the tight fit and ability of the case to better fit to the contoursof the electronics device. As mentioned, the case includes a strip offabric for closing the opening. Such strip of fabric, or closure flap,is seamed into body of the case in at least two points, and for a lengthat each point. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the case 2, for ease ofdiscussion, has a front 4, a top 6, a bottom 8, a left side 10, a rightside 12 (showing only the edge between the right side and the top). Thecase also has a back. The strip of fabric 14 is in the closed positionwherein the strip of fabric is inverted and covers the opening and issubstantially flush with a portion of the front of the body 16.

In an optional embodiment, a continuous cut of fabric can be arranged toform the body of the case and the strip of fabric for closing theopening. In such case, the continuous cut of fabric can be folded threetimes to produce a general shape of the desired electronics device. Inthe case of forming a rectangular shaped case, a length of fabric aroundor greater than two and a half times longer than the length of a frontof back of the electronics device can be used. The first fold can be ata relatively short length to provide the strip of fabric for closing theopening, and the next fold can bring the end of the length to a spotnear or at the fold. The unfolded side (originally the long sides of thecontinuous cut of rectangular material) can be seamed togethercompletely. The case can then be turned right side out, as is know inthe sewing art, wherein the first turning reveals an open case, and thenext turn (this time of the smaller fold) closes the case.

Alternatively, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, shows a continuouscut of fabric making up the body of the case, and a separate piece offabric, attached to the back of the body, along the bottom. In thefigure, seams are shown around the side 10, and continuing to the bottom8. Such seam continues around the top and opposite sides, although notshown. The strip of fabric 14 is seamed into a length of each of thesides 10 and 12 (shown seam 18 on side 10). The general seaming of FIG.1 is similar to that which would result of utilizing a continuous cut offabric, but for the attachment of the strip of fabric to the body. Thestrip of fabric of FIG. 1 further includes a hem that includes a zig-zagstitch 20. It should be noted that while the illustrated hem includes azig-zag stitch, any method of hemming the strip of fabric (bothconventional and non-conventional), including a straight stitch, anyfunctional and/or decorative stitches, any number of folds or rollingthe fabric, or any fabric edge treatment, such as serging, applicationof chemicals, decorative cutting, and other edge finishes, canoptionally be used alone and in combination. Alternatively, the edge offabric of the strip of fabric can be untreated.

As noted, the case 2 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a single seamextending the full length of each side 10, 12. In an alternateembodiment, a side can include more than one seam of equal or differinglengths. FIG. 1 further illustrates a loop 22 seamed into the left side10. Such loop can allow for attachment of the case to other objects, canbe coupled to a clasp, or can be enlarged to permit attachment to awrist. Additionally, a loop, or any other attachment device, or tag, orfurther accessory for the case or electronics device, can be attached atany point of the case. Such attachment can be by seaming, or byadhering, directly sewing, etc., to a non-seam portion of the case. Forexample, a loop can be attached to the top of a case, multiple loops canbe attached to the same side, or a tag, including a logo of a company,can be seamed into the side of a case.

FIG. 2 shows an electronics device case having the strip of fabric inthe closed position where the strip of fabric rests substantially flushwith a portion of the back of the body. FIG. 2 is the case of FIG. 1,illustrating the differences between the open and the closed positionsfor the strip of fabric. As shown, the case includes a top 6, two sides10, 12, the attached loop 22, the front 4, the opposite side of thestrip of fabric 24 is flush with the back of the case (not shown). Suchpositioning of the strip of fabric reveals an opening 26, wherein anelectronics device can be inserted into the case. Although the case isportrayed in FIGS. 1 and 2 as holding a generally rectangular shape, itshould be noted that generally, the materials employed in creating thecase do not take such a distinct form until they envelop or glove anelectronics device.

The strip of fabric for closing the opening is particularly configuredto securely close the opening of the case without requiring releasableattachments such as, e.g., hook and loop, buttons, snaps, buckles,adhesives, hooks, zippers, drawstrings, clasps, etc. Rather, theeffective closing of the case is a result of the product designincluding the strip of fabric seamed into a length of two sides of thecase, and being composed of a fabric having an elasticity sufficient toallow for inversion of the strip from open position to closed position.One advantage in the design is the optional lack of releasableattachments, thus simplifying the case generally. Furthermore,releasable attachments can be prone to catching on and/or scratching theelectronics device, when placed together. Additionally, such releasableattachments can be prone to wearing faster than the rest of a bag orenclosure for an electronics device. They can rip or fall off, thusrendering the bag or enclosure ineffective at protecting and storing anelectronics device. That said, in one aspect, the case, according to thepresent application, can include one or more releasable attachments.Such attachments would likely be used at a point on the front of thecase wherein the strip of fabric meets the front.

The front of case of FIG. 1 is illustrated in FIG. 3. As shown, thefront 4 of the case 2 includes a strip of fabric 14 in the closedposition. The strip of fabric is nearest the bottom 8 of the case.Similarly, FIG. 4 illustrates the back of the case of FIG. 1, whereinthe strip of fabric is in the closed position. Shown is the back 30, thetwo sides 10, 12 (inverted from the FIGS. 1 and 3), the top 6 and bottom8 of the case.

A direct view of the two sides of the case of FIG. 1 are illustrated inFIGS. 5 and 6. Specifically, FIG. 5 is a view of the side 10 of FIG. 1,and FIG. 6 is view of the side 12 of FIG. 1. Each figure shows the front4, back 30, top 6, bottom 8, strip of fabric 14 in the closed positionwhere it is flush with the front, stitching along the full length ofeach side 18 and 32 respectively. Although the illustrated embodimentincludes a single seam extending the length of each side, it should benoted that each side can independently include a plurality of seams,optionally extending the length thereof. Furthermore, a singlecontinuous seam can extend from one side, across the bottom, and onto asecond side. In one aspect, a single continuous seam can besubstantially the only seam, besides optional hemming, present in thecase. Alternatively, one or both sides can include two seams extendingthe length thereof. In such embodiment, it can be optional that one orboth sides includes the two seams located at the interface between (a)the side and the back and (b) the side and the front of the case.

As the case is to fit tightly to an electronics device, the cases can beof any shape and size so as to best match the contours of theelectronics device. Further, the size and shape of the faces of the bodyof the case can vary in relation to one another as needed to form theproper contour. In one aspect, the front and the back can besubstantially the same size. In one aspect, one or more seams can act asstructural members to the case. The body and strip of fabric in theclosed position are together configured to envelope and tightly fitcontours of the preselected electronics device. Properly located seamscan assist fitting the contours properly. For example, in one aspect, itmay be useful to locate seams along angles of the electronics device,such as edges. In one aspect, the body and strip of fabric in the closedposition can together be configured to tightly fit substantially allcontours of the preselected electronics device.

The top and bottom of the case of FIG. 1 are shown in FIGS. 7 and 8,respectively. FIG. 7 shows the top 6 of the case 2 with the sides 12 and10, the loop 22, the back 30, and the front 4. The lip of the strip offabric 14 is against the front of the case. FIG. 7 illustrates anaperture 31 edged by a grommet Apertures of this type are optional, andcan be placed in a variety can allow for protruding portions of theelectronic device to extend from the cover without compromising thetight fit of the cover. In one aspect, the aperture can be configured tobe placed over or near a strap attached to the electronics device,thereby allowing for the strap to be threaded through the aperture andutilized with the electronics device as intended. FIG. 8 shows thebottom view of FIG. 1, wherein the case 2 has a back 30, a bottom 8, twosides 10 and 12, and a loop 22 attached to side 10. The view of thebottom also shows the strip of fabric 14 for closing the opening. If thestrip of fabric were inverted, the present view would be directly intothe case through the opening.

It should be noted that the figures are identified in regions such astop, bottom, sides, front, and back, and such identification is, attimes, along a substantial area of the region (such as the front 4 ofFIG. 1), whereas, at other times, the identified region is at thetermination line or point of the region (such as the top 6 of FIG. 1).In one aspect, the transition between two adjacent regions can beabrupt, and occur along a common boundary (such as a fold in the fabric,or even a deliberate seam), whereas, in another aspect, the transitionbetween two adjacent regions can be a general blending wherein a limitedspace can be properly labeled as two regions (e.g. side and front) on acase. Furthermore, due to the nature of the material utilized to createthe case, the definition of regions may be difficult until theelectronics device is fully inserted, as the electronics device lendsstructure to the case due to the tight fit.

FIG. 9 shows a camera 34 partially inserted into a case 36. Asillustrated, the case has a front 38 that terminates in an openingthrough which the camera is inserted. The strip of material 40 forclosing the opening is inverted and in the closed position, flushagainst the back, and in this case, also flush against a portion of theside 42. The portion of the camera shown includes a viewing or digitalscreen 44. Additionally, the camera illustrated includes a hand strap 46that is shown threaded through an aperture (not shown) on the top of thecase (also not shown).

FIG. 10 shows an electronics device case 48. As illustrated, the casehas a front 50 that terminates in an opening through which theelectronics device can be inserted. The strip of material 52 for closingthe opening can be inverted and in the closed position, flush againstthe back (not shown), and in this case, also flush against a portion ofthe side 54. The electronics device case additionally includes a cloth56 attached to an interior of the case. In the illustrated embodiment, arhombical cloth is attached at a corner of the cloth to the interiorfront surface of case. As shown, the bulk of the cloth is removed fromthe interior of the case. Cloths, such as the one illustrated can beremoved, at least partially, to allow for use in wiping and/or cleaningof an electronics device. The cloth can also optionally be inserted intothe case in a manner to wrap the electronics device, or at leastpartially cover part of the surface of the electronics device, whenstored in the case.

Various adaptations of the cases are contemplated herein. In one aspect,the case can include one or more apertures in the body of the case. Manyelectronic devices include features that a user may desire to beuncovered, and therefore accessible, while the electronics device isenveloped and stored in the case. One or more aperture in the body ofthe case can be over the feature or features. In one aspect, theaperture(s) can be centered over the desired feature. Non-limitingexamples of features that may be desirable to have accessible while theelectronics device is enclosed in the case include a viewable screen, akeypad, a button or buttons, a jack (such as a power jack, data transferattachment jack, headphone jack, speaker jack, etc.), and combinationsthereof. The aperture can be of any shape and size, provided a majorityof the electronics device is enclosed and covered by the case.

At times, it may be useful for one or more feature of an electronicsdevice to be viewable, although still protected from direct contact. Insuch cases, the body can include one or more apertures, appropriatelyshaped, and optionally centered over the feature, and further includinga clear material attached to the body of the case so as to form a windowof the aperture. Generally, transparent polymeric materials arepreferred materials for use as the clear material.

Apertures in the body of the case can optionally be configured to permitprojections of the contours of the electronics device to project out ofthe case. As a non-limiting example, an antenna can be configured toproject through the case. Such an arrangement, as with the majority ofapertures in the contours of electronics devices, can allow for abetter, tighter, fit of the case to the electronics device.

Any of the apertures of the case can optionally include an aperturecover, which can optionally be of the same material as the body of thecase, and can be configured to close or cover at least a part of theaperture. In one aspect, the aperture cover can be configured to attachsecurely over the aperture by any of the attachment means disclosedherein. Further, the aperture cover can be configured to rest flat onthe aperture unless manually removed to reveal the aperture.

Many electronics devices include viewing screens and/or lenses. Suchfeatures, for example, may tend to accumulate dust and dirt, whichlessens their effectiveness and can potentially ruin the feature and/orelectronics device. As such, in one aspect, a cloth can be permanentlyor removably attached to an interior of the case. Such attachment can beat any location in the interior of the case, including the backside ofthe front, the backside of the back, the backside of any sides or theportion of the strip of fabric that completes the interior of the casewhen in the closed position. Such cloth can be attached by any method,including, but not limited to, seamed into the case, snaps, hook andloop, buttons, buckles, adhesives, hooks, zippers, clasps, andcombinations thereof. Preferably, the attachment position and type makespossible the removal of at least a majority of the cloth, although thepresent application contemplates any removal and exposure of the cloth.The cloth can be of any shape and size. In one aspect, the cloth isrhombical and is optionally of a size similar to that of the back orfront of the case.

The cloth may be made of a wide variety of materials and fabrics thatare suited to accomplishing a specific purpose, such as cleaning ortreating a lens or screen without scratching it. Nearly any woven ornon-woven fabrics may be used. Further, fabrics with a selected degreeof absorbability may be used with some cloths being selected to be moreabsorbent than others. Examples include without limitation, cotton,polyester, and other cloths, microfiber cloths, super absorbent clothsor materials, such as chamois, and other natural or synthetic absorbentmaterials. In one aspect, the cloth can be a microfiber cloth. The clothmay additionally be configured to hold a variety of materials useful intreating lens- or screen- bearing devices, such as cleaning and anti-fogsolutions, polishes, waxes, etc.

Thus, when attached to the interior of the case in certain embodiments,the cloth can provide a soft and protective interior to protect theelectronics device from being scratched or otherwise abraded fromrougher fabrics, at least in part. For example, in some embodiments, thecloth may be attached near the lip of the opening and extend down alongone interior side of the case, thus adding an extra measure of scratchand abrasion prevention for sensitive areas such as screens, lenses, andviewfinders on the electronics device. In some embodiments, the clothmay be attached a multiple points of attachment inside the case, and inanother aspect, the cloth may be a lining or other configuration thatcan be extended from the case to be used in a cleaning or treatmentfunction. The cloth can further provide an additional level ofprotection in that it can be configured to extend over features of theelectronics device not protected by an outer shell. When the electronicsdevice is inserted into the case, at least a portion of it can tightlyfit against the cloth inside the case. As the cloth is considered, insuch instance, to be an extension of the case, and lends itself to thetight fit of the case to the electronics device.

In a specific embodiment, a case can be for protecting and storing arhombical camera. The case can include a thin neoprene body of acontinuous cut. The body can include a front, a back, two sides eachincluding a seam extending the length thereof, a top, and an openingalong a bottom. The case can further include a strip of the continuouscut of neoprene of the body. The strip can extend from the back of thebody near the opening and can be seamed into a length of each of theside seams. The strip can have an open position where the entirety ofthe strip rests substantially flush with a portion of the back of thebody. The strip can also have a closed position where the strip isinverted and covers the opening and is substantially flush with aportion of the front of the body. The case can also optionally include amicrofiber cloth permanently attached to an interior surface of thefront of the case and be configured for removal of a majority of thecloth from an internal cavity of the case and can be further configuredto substantially cover and rest against a viewing screen of the camerawhen enclosed in the case. Additionally, the body and closure flap inthe closed position can be configured to envelope and tightly fitsubstantially all contours of the camera.

In another specific embodiment, a case for protecting and storing anaudio player can include a neoprene body and a neoprene strip. Theneoprene body can include a front, a back, a first side including atleast a first seam extending the length thereof, a second side includingat least a second seam extending the length thereof, a top, and anopening along a bottom. The body can also include at least one aperturecentered over at least one of a power jack and an audio jack. Theneoprene strip can be configured for closing the opening. The strip canextend from the back of the body near the opening and can be seamed intoa length of each of the first seam and the second seam. The strip canhave an open position where the entirety of the strip restssubstantially flush with a portion of the back of the body, and can havea closed position where the strip is inverted and covers the opening andis substantially flush with a portion of the front of the body. The bodyand strip in the closed position are together configured to envelope andtightly fit contours of the audio player.

Of course, it is to be understood that the above-described arrangementsare only illustrative of the application of the principles of thepresent invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangementsmay be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from thespirit and scope of the present invention and the appended claims areintended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while thepresent invention has been described above with particularity and detailin connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical andpreferred embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, butnot limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function andmanner of operation, assembly and use may be made without departing fromthe principles and concepts set forth herein.

1. A case for protecting and storing a preselected electronics device,comprising: a flexible fabric material body having a front, a back, afirst side including at least a first seam extending the length thereof,a second side including at least a second seam extending the lengththereof, a top, and an opening along a bottom; and a strip of fabric ofthe same material as the body for closing the opening, said stripextending from the back of the body near the opening and seamed into alength of each of the first side and the second side, said strip offabric having an open position where the entirety of the strip of fabricrests substantially flush with a portion of the back of the body, and aclosed position where the strip of fabric is inverted and covers theopening and is substantially flush with a portion of the front of thebody, wherein the body and strip of fabric in the closed position aretogether configured to envelope and tightly fit contours of thepreselected electronics device.
 2. The case of claim 1, wherein theflexible fabric material of the body is selected the group consisting ofneoprene (polychloroprene), spandex (elastane), nylon, polyester fabric,rayon, olefin fiber, other petrochemical based fibrous materials, otherseamable synthetic rubbers, and blends and combinations thereof.
 3. Thecase of claim 1, wherein the strip of fabric extending from the back ofthe body is a separately attached material sewn onto the body as aseparate panel.
 4. The case of claim 1, wherein the strip of fabricextending from the back of the body is an extension of the fabric of theback of the body.
 5. The case of claim 1, wherein the flexible fabricmaterial body is made of a continuous cut of fabric.
 6. The case ofclaim 5, wherein the flexible fabric material body and the strip offabric are both made of a continuous cut of fabric.
 7. The case of claim1, wherein at least one of the first side or the second side includestwo seams extending the length thereof, one seam located at theinterface between the side and the back and the other seam located atthe interface between the side and the front.
 8. The case of claim 1,wherein the strip of fabric is seamed into a length of each of the firstseam and the second seam.
 9. The case of claim 1, wherein thepreselected electronics device is selected from an portable mediaplayers, portable media receivers, cameras, personal digital assistants,cellular phones, global positioning systems, web browsers, Dictaphones,digital games, video game remotes, cordless phones, and hybrids andcombinations thereof.
 10. The case of claim 1, wherein the body andstrip of fabric in the closed position are together configured totightly fit substantially all contours of the preselected electronicsdevice.
 11. The case of claim 1, further comprising an aperture in thebody of the case configured to be centered over a feature of thepreselected electronics device selected from a viewable screen, akeypad, a button, jack, attached carrying strap, or combinationsthereof.
 12. The case of claim 11, further comprising a clear materialattached to the body of the case and forming a window of the aperture.13. The case of claim 1, further comprising an aperture in the body ofthe case configured to be centered over a projection of the preselectedelectronics device.
 14. The case of claim 1, further comprising a clothpermanently attached to an interior of the case.
 15. The case of claim14, wherein the cloth is a microfiber cloth.
 16. The case of claim 14,wherein the cloth is attached to an internal surface of the front of thecase and configured for removal of a majority of the cloth from aninternal cavity of the case.
 17. The case of claim 14, wherein the clothis configured to extend over at least one feature of the electronicsdevice not encased in an outer shell.
 18. The case of claim 1, whereinthe case is substantially free of releasable attachments.
 19. A case forprotecting and storing a rhombical camera, comprising: a thin neoprenebody of a continuous cut, said body having a front, a back, a first sideincluding a first seam extending the length thereof, a second sideincluding a second seam extending the length thereof, a top, and anopening along a bottom; a strip of the continuous cut of neoprene of thebody, said strip extending from the back of the body near the openingand seamed into a length of each of the first seam and the second seam,said strip having an open position where the entirety of the strip restssubstantially flush with a portion of the back of the body, and a closedposition where the strip is inverted and covers the opening and issubstantially flush with a portion of the front of the body; and amicrofiber cloth permanently attached to an interior surface of thefront of the case and configured for removal of a majority of the clothfrom an internal cavity of the case and further configured tosubstantially cover and rest against a viewing screen of the camera whenenclosed in the case, wherein the body and closure flap in the closedposition are together configured to envelope and tightly fitsubstantially all contours of the camera.
 20. A case for protecting andstoring an audio player, comprising: a neoprene body having a front, aback, a first side including at least a first seam extending the lengththereof, a second side including at least a second seam extending thelength thereof, a top, and an opening along a bottom, wherein the bodyfurther includes at least one aperture centered over at least one of apower jack and an audio jack; and a neoprene strip for closing theopening, said strip extending from the back of the body near the openingand seamed into a length of each of the first seam and the second seam,said strip having an open position where the entirety of the strip restssubstantially flush with a portion of the back of the body, and a closedposition where the strip is inverted and covers the opening and issubstantially flush with a portion of the front of the body, wherein thebody and strip in the closed position are together configured toenvelope and tightly fit contours of the audio player.